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Pygmy Chain Sword Red
Helanthium tenellum 'Red'
Also known as Red Dwarf Chain Sword, Red Helanthium, Red Pygmy Chain Sword
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Alismatales›Alismataceae
📍 Captive-bred (hybrid)
Red-tinted form of the Pygmy Chain Sword. Develops reddish-brown tones under higher light. Low-maintenance carpeting plant.
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Compatible Livestock
Algae-eating fish that graze gently without uprooting plants; ideal for planted tanks
Small, non-destructive shrimp that help control algae and won't damage delicate plant tissue
Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered carpet effect
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot plants and add movement to planted tanks
Larger shrimp that efficiently controls algae without damaging plant structure
Companion plant with similar low-light tolerance; creates diverse foreground landscape
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Micronutrients)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite adequate lighting
Increase liquid fertilizer dosing, particularly iron supplements; perform 25% water changes weekly to reset nutrient levels and prevent accumulation
Algae Overgrowth
Green or brown algae coating plant leaves, reduced photosynthesis, plant decline
Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily, increase water changes, introduce algae-eating fish (Otocinclus) or shrimp; manually remove visible algae
Melting/Decay
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy stems, rapid plant deterioration after planting
Ensure stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-8), maintain consistent temperature, improve water circulation; remove affected leaves and allow plant to acclimate over 2-3 weeks
Poor Red Coloration
Plant remains predominantly green despite adequate lighting, weak growth
Increase light intensity to 8-10 hours daily, boost iron and macronutrient fertilization, ensure CO2 supplementation (optional but beneficial); allow 4-6 weeks for color development
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- optional
- lighting
- medium
- placement
- foreground
- difficulty
- easy
- growthRate
- moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.